We are coming to the last days of this blog as we will soon learn though in all actually we are but on the brink of a great break through spiritually in the LORD of all lords. What just maybe the last of Pastor Hoekstra's writings on Grace and GOD's wonder and miraculous transition of reformation pulled off, that changed the course of human history right under Israel's and the gentile world's noses. Only those of His kingdom come to know and understand as they are also known by Him. I will leave you with this thought in question form, are you a believer in name only or are you a receiver of GOD's wonder and plan and purposes?
"The Manifold Grace of God"
By Robert Hoekstra
"The manifold grace of God . . . but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ . . . Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." (1Peter 4:10; 2Peter 3:18 and Galatians 6:18)
"The manifold Grace of GOD is such an appropriate truth for our concluding meditation. It is both humbling and faith building to be reminded of the majestic diversity of GOD and His wonderful gift of Grace.
GOD's Grace is manifold (meaning having many parts or having portion ports). It is like a heavenly diamond with innumerable facets. Every vantage point reflects a new insight into the gracious resources of our LORD. From some biblical viewpoints, the justifying Grace of GOD is seen: "justified freely by His grace" (Romans 3:24). Yet, our devotional studies have concentrated upon sanctifying grace, grace for growing, grace for life changing. "But grow in . . . grace." Many scriptural vistas display this sanctifying grace in its manifold beauty. It can be seen stabilizing the inner man. "It is good that the heart be established by grace" (Hebrews 13:9). It can also be seen in its edifying ability. "I commend you to GOD and to the word of His Grace, which is able to build you up" (Acts 20:32). From another angle, GOD's sanctifying Grace can be seen for its strengthening capacity. "Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2Timothy 2:1). It can also be observed in its fruit producing role: "and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth" (Colossians 1:6). It can also be seen in its ministry developing function. "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (1Corinthians 15:10). From still another viewpoint, the sanctifying Grace of GOD can be seen sustaining through the agonies of one's "thorny impossibilities." "My grace is sufficient for you" (2Corinthians 12:9). What heavenly riches await us in a lifetime of observing, and appropriating, GOD's manifold Grace.
What final words would be fitting for us now? The closing benediction in so many New Testament epistles would be perfectly suitable. "Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit" (Galatians 6:18). Ultimately and essentially, Grace is found in the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and it is experienced through His work in our hearts, as we humbly seek to know Him more and more. "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ."
"The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ"
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." (2Corinthians 8:9)
"GOD wants us to know His Grace. He wants us to learn about it, and then to experience it at work in our lives. Grace has rightly been described as "unmerited favor," though I prefer benefit verses "merited favor." The acrostic, "God's Riches At Christ's Expense," catches more of its majesty. Grace is GOD freely providing for us (as we trust in the work of His Son) all that we will ever need, all that we will ever yearn for, all that He has commanded us to walk in and to become, realities that we could never produce on our own, could never earn, and could never deserve. Grace offers what every human desperately needs, but what GOD alone can provide. The purpose of the old defunct testament, the word defunct maybe a bit harsh because we still need it as a tool for learning that brings understanding. For grace is at work within these books also but hidden from view. Except the Holy Spirit reveal it to us.
This grace is found only in a person, the Lord Jesus. It is the "grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." Thus, it is accessible only through an ongoing personal relationship with Him.
Grace is made available to us by Jesus' willingness to take our spiritual bankruptcy upon Himself, that we might be able to partake of His spiritual richness. Before coming to earth below, Jesus enjoyed heavenly riches above ("that though He was rich"). He knew the infinitely rich fellowship of the Father and the Holy Spirit. He received the rich worship of angelic beings. He enjoyed the limitless prerogatives of deity.
Then, for our benefit, Jesus voluntarily became poor ("for your sakes He became poor"). He humbled Himself to walk as a man among sinful humanity. He who was adored above became despised below. He who shined forth in glorious divinity in heaven was clothed in humble humanity on earth. He who created all things was slain by those He created. He who always existed in eternity past died in time. He who was holy took our sin upon Himself.
Through these workings of His Grace, all who receive Him (John 1:14, 16) would become spiritually rich ("that you through His poverty might become rich"). Now, we whose "righteousness were as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6) have become "the righteousness of GOD in Him" (2Corinthians 5:21). We "who once were not a people . . . are now the people of GOD" (1Peter 2:10). Now, we have been "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).
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